Mpox

Mpox is a disease caused by a virus called mpox, which is in the same family of viruses that cause smallpox.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that most of those infected recover from mpox in two to four weeks. Those who caught the virus said the rash (that looks like pimples or blisters) can be painful.

Those with weakened immune systems, children under age 8, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with a history of eczema may be more likely to get seriously ill or pass away.

The most common symptoms are: 

• Fever and headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion and chills
• Sore throat, stuffy nose or cough
• Rash (i.e., pimples or blisters that show up on the face, inside the mouth and on other body parts)

If you have mpox symptoms, please call your doctor’s office.

It is spread through direct contact with someone who has an infected rash, scabs or body fluids. It could also spread through face-to-face contact. Or it can be spread by touching items that had been touched by those with the infection. People who don’t have mpox symptoms can’t spread this virus to others.

Take these precautions: 

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash that looks like mpox. This rash can look like small blisters or pimples and may be itchy or painful.
• Avoid contact with surfaces or materials that a person with mpox has used or touched.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine developed to protect against mpox. The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose. Consult with your health care provider if you are at high risk of exposure or if you were in contact with a person who has mpox within the last 2 weeks. 

Antiviral drugs used for treatment of smallpox may be considered some instances to treat mpox viral infections. Consult with your health care provider for more information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends it for those who have been in close contact with those with mpox. While anyone exposed to this mpox can become infected, 98% of current infections have been found in men who have sex with men. Talk with your doctor if you believe you have been exposed to mpox.

If you have mpox symptoms, please call your doctor’s office. Click here to learn more.

The most common side effects are pain, redness and itching at the spot where the vaccine is given. You may also experience fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, chills and muscle aches; however, these are signs that the vaccine is working, not getting sick. These side effects may last for several weeks.

The vaccine is safe to get. However, you should not get the vaccine if you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after getting your first dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Make sure to let your health care provider know if you have a severe allergic reaction from any vaccinations.

Mpox vaccines are FREE. Your health care provider must give you the vaccine regardless of your ability to pay the administration fee.